Rossi: ‘MotoGP will change very much in 2016’

Valentino Rossi has explained that one of his key motivations for renewing his contract with Movistar Yamaha MotoGP for two more years was a desire to ride an evolving premier class prototype in 2016.

Speaking in the eni Motorrad Grand Prix Deutschland preliminary press conference, Rossi acknowledged that with the official tyre supplier to MotoGP™ changing at the end of 2015 and the introduction of standard ECU and software for all manufacturers in 2016 he is intrigued to be part of that development.

"I really wanted two years because I want to try the 2016 bikes," Rossi said. "I think MotoGP™ will change very much after next year. Because two of the crucial things which are electronics and tyres will be different so maybe it will be another kind of riding style, another way to control the bike. It is like a ‘year zero’."

Asked about whether he wants Jorge Lorenzo to continue riding with Yamaha beyond 2014 the nine-time World Champion answered, "I am happy if Jorge remains, also for developing the bikes, because he always pushes 100% and always brings the bike to the limit. I think he is the best teammate. There are also some other good riders like Pol Espargaro and some others but I hope Jorge stays."

Regarding his return to regular podium form this year Rossi stated that he has adapted his riding style for 2014 and has been studying the likes of Marc Marquez and Lorenzo very closely as he looks to outwit them on track. He concluded, "If you want to stay ‘on the game’ you have to try to always learn from the fastest and try to always improve your style, because it never stops."